Robin van Persie ‘to be offered record Arsenal pay deal’

Robin van Persie is reportedly set to be offered a new deal worth £150,000 a week, as Arsenal look to head off interest from AC Milan and Real Madrid.

The Dutchman’s current contract is scheduled to expire in 2013 and if they cannot persuade him to sign an extension in the next few months, the Gunners will have to decide whether to cash-in in the summer or lose him for nothing at the end of next season.

Robin van Persie is in line for a bumper pay deal (AFP/Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board are desperate to hold on to the prolific goalscorer and will offer him the opportunity to become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, reports the Mail on Sunday.

The package will apparently comprise a salary of £130,000 a week and a signing-on fee of £5 million.

Van Persie knows he would be able to secure a similar deal if he moves to AC Milan or Real Madrid, and his decision is likely to be influenced by what he thinks of Arsenal’s prospects for the next few years.

The 28-year-old has won just one major trophy during his eight years at the club and before he puts pen to paper on a contract extension will need reassurance that Wenger’s team will be in a position to challenge for honours.

Arsenal were this week linked with Germany internationals Mario Goetze and Lukas Podolski, but the deals are unlikely to happen unless the club qualify for the Champions League.